Hansard debates

Mrs McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:48): My question is for the Minister for Local Government—sorry, he has just left the room—and concerns the recent instructions to regional councils to hold all council meetings remotely. Minister, can you confirm that this directive will be immediately rescinded in line with the relaxation of COVID restrictions announced today? Can you further confirm it will not be reinstated in similar circumstances? Councils have proven they are perfectly able to conduct virus-safe gatherings—safely distanced, sanitised and masked. If we can have 50 people at a wedding or 300 in a nightclub or a brothel, why should democracy be downgraded? Forcing councillors to sit alone behind computers and excluding all members of the public from meetings is no recipe for public engagement or good government. I ask the minister to respond to the clear view of the councils of Western Victoria, many of which have contacted me, and treat council meetings with COVID-safe plans like any other regional business.